Students are highly dependent on the emergency planning and evacuation decisions made by policymakers and school personnel when disasters occur. The purpose of this study was to examine selected cases of school-related disasters, highlighting how factors of the school context intersected with natural hazards and subsequently affected…

Explains that favorable market and working conditions influence the scheduling of school construction projects. Facility planners, architects, and contractors are advised to develop a realistic time schedule for the entire project. (MLF)

Using simple materials, bold colors, and an exterior that complements its surroundings, this earthquake-proof school (enrollment: 460) cost $2.8 million. It has received numerous awards and enthusiastic response from administrators, teachers, students, and the community. (PB)

Describes the change order process in building construction, some of the reasons for such changes in the contract, the pitfalls of the process, and the ramifications of cost determination and time related factors. (MLF)

Explains the owner-contractor relationship of construction management and the time and budgeting advantages it offers public educational agencies by dealing with only one firm. (MLF)

Selecting the architect is one of the keys to a successful school building project. Some general standards for evaluating architects can be applied in most situations. (Author/MLF)

This handbook presents guidelines on the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) of building operations over the life of a building to assist school districts and consultants with evaluating proposed educational facility construction projects. It defines the terminology found in an LCCA, such as initial and future expenses, residual value, real discount…

Construction procedures are explained and suggestions offered concerning the responsibility of the owner-representative to provide supervision of an educational facility construction. Daily supervision is necessary to ensure completion of the project on time and within the budget of the owner. (MLF)

Spokane (Washington) School District No. 81 has replaced 12 obsolete elementary schools and enlarged a thirteenth. A design competition involving three consortia of 10 local architectural firms and the use of a prototype design for all 12 new schools saved the school district about $8 million from the original estimate. (MLF)

This document presents a sample request for proposal that Arizona school districts can use when requesting architectural services, from the general request requirements to response information and signature sheet. General proposal requirements cover such areas as information on special terms and conditions, the scope of architectural services…

These guidelines highlight some important administrative and legal aspects of school construction projects (particularly under Alaskan law) and propose ways to address these issues during the process of selecting and contracting with school architects. The document first emphasizes the role of the architect, then reviews activities that should…

Successful school construction projects require careful planning. School boards and administrators should consider architectural firms and contracts carefully. Reduce costs by hiring subcontractors, requiring documentation for proposed changes, negotiating frequent site visits by architect, organizing board subcommittee to review work, and…

This guide addresses the most common considerations when building school facilities in Kentucky. Included are the regulations for the Capital Construction Process, the Kentucky Department of Education's Project Review Process, and a suggested document filing system. Additionally, it features common questions and answers regarding the Kentucky…

This publication recommends that school districts include a legal plan in every school construction project. The author discusses negotiating agreements with the project architect and construction manager early on; exercising due diligence in selecting the project team; determining proper levels of professional liability insurance; clarifying…

This New York State Education Department bulletin provides guidelines and information on determining state building aid for public school construction pursuant to New York State Education Law: section 3602(6)(1) & (2). Guidelines address state building aid's purpose, eligibility, and formula for aid estimation. Included are guidelines on…